Speakers to go with JBLs

sandwich
sandwich Posts: 5
edited January 2011 in Speakers
I'm new to the whole home theater thing. A few months ago I was able to get a pair of JBL ES80s and a JBL ES25C center speaker for super cheap. One of my friends gave me his old Onkyo TX-SR307 for free. I've just been using that for the time being. I'm now interested in upgrading to a full 5.1 setup and eventually a 7.1/2 setup.

http://www.jbl.com/EN-US/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?PID=ES25CBK

http://www.jbl.com/EN-US/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?PID=ES80BK

My questions are:
1. Does anyone have any suggestions on some good Polk speakers to go with my JBLs? I'm looking for some good rear speakers or new fronts and I can move the ES80s to the rear. I know newegg has the Monitor 60/70s for cheap.

2. I need to get rid of the SR307. I'm looking for a new 7.1/7.2 receiver under $600 that will be suffecient to run the ES80s, ES25C and something similar to the Monitor 60/70s, with the idea of additional bookshelf speakers to complete the 7 speaker system.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Post edited by sandwich on
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Comments

  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited January 2011
    Onkyo NR-807 @ accessories4less.com for $450 or
    Pioneer 1120-k for about $499 from anywhere.

    Those monitor 70s with a CSiA4 will be good.
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • sandwich
    sandwich Posts: 5
    edited January 2011
    nguyendot wrote: »
    Onkyo NR-807 @ accessories4less.com for $450 or
    Pioneer 1120-k for about $499 from anywhere.

    Those monitor 70s with a CSiA4 will be good.

    Thanks for the advice. Would I be able to use the ES25C with the Monitors or is it best to stick with the same brand?
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited January 2011
    You want your whole front stage to match otherwise it will not sound correct.
    You CAN use it, but I guarantee you won't be happy with the synergy (or lack thereof) of the front sound stage.
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited January 2011
    I don't know here. JBLs, and I own some vintage models, lean on their metal domes. You already have three decent fronts by JBL standards? So why not just get some Polks for surrounds and rears. THe front three L/C/R channels are the speakers you need to timbre match. You have that already. Do you like the JBLs or are you looking for something else up front. Because you can save yourself some money by keeping the front sound stage as is and getting some Monitor 30s or 40s for the back.

    Actually considering what JBL sounds like you might want to go with Rti, or Rti-A bookshelves back there?

    Take care..

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • sandwich
    sandwich Posts: 5
    edited January 2011
    cnh wrote: »
    I don't know here. JBLs, and I own some vintage models, lean on their metal domes. You already have three decent fronts by JBL standards? So why not just get some Polks for surrounds and rears. THe front three L/C/R channels are the speakers you need to timbre match. You have that already. Do you like the JBLs or are you looking for something else up front. Because you can save yourself some money by keeping the front sound stage as is and getting some Monitor 30s or 40s for the back.

    Actually considering what JBL sounds like you might want to go with Rti, or Rti-A bookshelves back there?

    Take care..

    cnh

    I was looking at the rti's at one point. I have no issues with the sound of the JBLs. I could keep my JBLs in the front and use the money for a new sub or spend it on the receiver. What is the main difference between the monitor 30/40s and the rti/rti-a's?
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited January 2011
    The RTI/a series is higher up. It will give you clearer and more forward sound.
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited January 2011
    +1, they might meld better with the JBLs which are, IMO, a more forward sounding speaker--especially on the highs?

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited January 2011
    Not trying to steer you away from the Rti's (which I absolutely love) but have you considered the matching rears for your set? If you like the sound it might be a little cheaper and match better, even though rears aren't as important as the front 3.

    http://www.amazon.com/JBL-ES10BK-3-Way-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00167340Y/ref=sr_1_2?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1295478173&sr=1-2
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  • sandwich
    sandwich Posts: 5
    edited January 2011
    Cool thanks! I'll look at the rti's. Sorry for all the questions but is there any difference between the rti's and rti-a's? Are the rti-a's worth the extra money over the rti's?
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  • sandwich
    sandwich Posts: 5
    edited January 2011
    B Run wrote: »
    Not trying to steer you away from the Rti's (which I absolutely love) but have you considered the matching rears for your set? If you like the sound it might be a little cheaper and match better, even though rears aren't as important as the front 3.

    http://www.amazon.com/JBL-ES10BK-3-Way-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00167340Y/ref=sr_1_2?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1295478173&sr=1-2

    Thanks for the input. I ended up finding some es30s for $250 so I went with those because of the price. I think this will be good for now once I get my new receiver. I'm finishing my basement right now and once it's done I'll probably build an all Polk system because I really like the sound of them.

    Thanks for all the input everyone! It was greatly appreciated.
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